He's Just Bad

CHAPTER 5

       Another morning sun had awoken Izzy, causing her to groan as she got out of bed. Somehow, the first thing she thought about was Nathan. His stupid car, smirk, and coldness were nothing she wanted to be around today. Sighing, Izzy slipped on her school uniform and headed downstairs. 

    "Morning sweetheart, I couldn't make breakfast today, I have a meeting in an hour," Izzy's dad said with a large smile on his face. 

    "Don't worry dad, I'll pick up some donuts or something on the way to school," Izzy laughed. "You don't need to worry about me too much, I'll officially be 18 in nine months."

    Izzy's dad groaned and laughed, "You won't need my breakfast because you're an adult when you start paying the phone bill, which will never happen!"

    Izzy rolled her eyes and quickly grabbed her backpack, which sat on top of the counter,  before her father could. If he got it before her, she would be chasing him around the house for an hour. "You have an important meeting, go!" Izzy laughed. 

   "Fine, fine, but I'll win the backpack race one day..." Izzy's dad laughed as he grabbed his keys and quickly headed to his car.

   Looks like I'll go get some donuts... Izzy thought.

****

   As she neared the front window to the donut shop, Izzy groaned as she saw Jessica Rowen, one of Nathan's side hoes. Although Nathan and Jessica seemed to be a stable couple during freshman and sophomore year, something changed and the two had been on and off ever since. 

   The overwhelming scent of sugar and coffee welcomed Izzy into the small corner shop as she opened the small glass door. For years, she had gone here if her father had a big meeting at his company. Although her father was usually around, being the editor and CEO of the town's newspaper made scheduling hours confusing and a hassle. 

  "Well, well, well," Jessica smiled once she saw Izzy walk into the small donut shop. "I see you've caught the attention of my boyfriend lately."

   Izzy laughed and closely examined the various choices of donuts before her while saying, "I really don't know why your boyfriend has wanted to annoy me with his stupid antics, but trust me I don't and won't be a part of it." Standing up, then Izzy found herself face to face with Jessica.

   For some reason, Izzy wasn't as intimidated as she was at school. Maybe it was the donuts cheering her from behind or the safety from Jessica's girl squad, but something was different. Izzy stood at straight as she could and crossed her arms, attempting to seem confident in front of one of the craziest girls at Evermore High.

   She won't scare me... Izzy thought. She's just another girl...

   Jessica rolled her eyes and readjusted her stance, taking a few steps away from Izzy. "I don't want to start any drama..."

   Yeah, right.

   "I just wanted to warn you about Nathan. He runs with a rough crowd and some of his decisions can put the people he cares for in danger. You seem like a sweet... umm... innocent girl, and I was just wanting to look out for you."

   Izzy gave a small laugh and smiled, "Thank you for watching out for me Jessica, it means a lot coming from you."

   Just as Jessica was about to respond, her donuts were handed to her from across the glass counter. "It was great talking to you," she said in a high pitched tone. Then, before Izzy could respond, Jessica pulled up her already short uniform skirt and walked with poise out of the coffee shop. 

  "Looking out for me, please," Izzy quietly laughed as she turned to put in her order. 

****

   Sadly, Sarah wasn't in the courtyard to greet Izzy as she neared the front of Evermore High. Although the courtyard was filled with screaming and laughing kids, Izzy immediately saw Nathan and the Vipers sitting on the front steps which led to the entrance of the school.  

   "Oh great... I have to get to class early today too, since I was already late yesterday," Izzy quietly groaned while adjusting her backpack and making sure her skirt was properly in place. 

   Izzy walked with the pride and confidence she used to face Jessica. The feeling was liberating and something Izzy had never felt before. Maybe she could thank Nathan's attention that forced her to inch out of her shell, or she didn't care what others thought of her anymore, but something was... different. 

   Despite thinking Nathan would acknowledge her, he said nothing and turned to his friends once she neared the front steps. Although she attempted to ignore the Vipers, she was baffled when she saw a large bruise on Nathan's left cheek. 

   Interesting, she thought.

****

    HEY EVERYONE! Sorry this chapter is so short, but I'm having writer's block. I want to start getting into more interesting things, but I'm still trying to set up the story! Again, this is my first story and it is gaining views everyday! However, your sharing and commentary would be amazing AND extremely helpful!

   Thanks for the support so far and I can't wait to continue this story! Big things are in store for Izzy and Nathan.